Basingstoke Men’s 1s have entered a tough battle for promotion with two other teams as they defeated fifth placed Amersham & Chalfont this week.

Basingstoke started well with two early goals from Mark Smith & Cameron Saint, however Amersham brought it back to 2-2 by half-time. Amersham took the lead in the second half to make it 2-3, but Basingstoke responded quickly with three goals from Graham Garret-Lang, Grant Rouse and player of the match Danny Bowden to make it 5-3. Amersham were only able to pull one back ensuring Basingstoke secured another three points and moved them to the top of the league.

Basingstoke Ladies 1s had their final week of friendlies before their league campaign restarts on February 5. They faced a strong RAF side during the week which was a tough contest. However great saves from goalkeeper Gemma Carswell and goals from Nicola George and Kirsty Kent ensured a 2-0 victory. Basingstoke Ladies’ second game of the week was against local rivals Trojans Ladies 1s. It was another closer game, however Trojan’s were strong in defence and Basingstoke lost 0-2.

Basingstoke Ladies 2s are currently fighting a relegation battle in the South Central Premier Division 2. This week they travelled to face New Forest Ladies 1s, whom they beat 1-0 in the first half of the season. However, despite strong periods of play and a penalty corner conversion from Emily Shepherd, Basingstoke were unable to get through the New Forest defence and suffered a 1-3 defeat.

Basingstoke Men’s 2s secured a much needed point against Andover Men’s 1s after a 1-1 draw, with a goal from Phil Stewart.

Basingstoke Ladies 3s lost 1-2 against Bournemouth Ladies 3s and Basingstoke Men’s 3s lost 0-2 against Alton Men’s 2s. Basingstoke Ladies 4s drew 1-1 against Eastleigh and Basingstoke Men’s 4s lost 1-3 at home to the Isle of Wight Men’s 1s. Basingstoke Ladies 5s also lost 1-2 against Alton Ladies 3s.

Basingstoke Men’s 5s travelled away to face Havant Men’s 7s this week. After Giacomo Caratelli scored in the first minute, Basingstoke dominated the first half and Caratelli added a second after 20 minutes. The three juniors in the team contributed to a free-flowing and high possession game for Basingstoke to seal a 2-0 win. Given recent results this was a really positive game for the Men’s 5s which they will take forward into their next game against Lavant Men’s 1s.

Basingstoke Men’s 6s suffered a 1-9 defeat against Portsmouth Men’s 5s.

There is another full day of hockey next week at Down Grange, with the Ladies 1s back in action against Bristol University Ladies 1s at 2pm, following the Ladies 2s, Men’s 2s and Men’s 3s who all play earlier in the day. The Men’s 5s and Ladies 6s also play at home this week.